I am Cheryl Duncan. I created the Ashley Jadine Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, in memory of my daughter, Ashley Jadine Duncan.

Until our family was touched by suicide, I was not aware of the astounding statistics or profound and lasting affects. In 1995, my sister committed suicide at age 31. Years later, in 2012, my daughter, Ashley, did the same. When Ashley began showing signs of depression, I was quickly educated on the difficulties of navigating the system when trying to get help for a teen with mental health issues and emotional instability. While seeking help for Ashley, there were many times I felt helpless and overwhelmed! As she became older, it became even more of a challenge to get help and support for her. For, the older she became, the more power she had over whether or not she received the help she needed.​Many deal with issues of denial, shame and isolation after losing a loved one to suicide. Social media played a large role in Ashley's life, and subsequently. it played an even larger role in her death. She stopped talking and instead, she began expressing her feelings and communicating via Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook, to which neither parent or her brother subscribed. As a result of this, in the home, many of her cries for help were not heard. There was little to no proof available to justify her staying in a treatment facility. But, friends and acquaintances, although aware of her posts on social media, did not take her cries for help seriously. ​

Greater awareness is needed with respect to social media and our response to those who express feelings of depression and a desire to harm themselves or others. In order to recognize the warning signs of depression or suicide, parents must be more involved in following the activity of their children on social media. I pray the resources offered through the Ashley Jadine Foundation will be helpful in igniting a sense of hope in those who are experiencing hopelessness. Pain is temporary. Hold on, there is hope!

The artwork above includes the Hand of Fatimah or Hamsa drawn by Ashley signifying the Hand of God and protection. The helping hands, heart and light were added in this graphic to express the light, hope and caring which are pillars of the Ashley Jadine Foundation.

Our Vision

The Vision of AJF is to reduce the incidence and rate of suicide among young people by shining a light of hope into the lives of those affected by depression and other issues.

Our Mission

The Mission of AJF is to prevent suicide among young people by increasing awareness in the community for teens, their families and their support network through education, scholarships and other support services.

• Family & Youth Education• Support Group Referrals• Social Media Awareness• Financial Support for Counseling• Legislative Lobbying• Community Partnerships• Scholarships• Other support services

We will host events in Ashley’s memory each September for Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. Each year in November, we will continue to show our commitment toward greater suicide awareness culminating with the annual Greater Houston Area Out of the Darkness Walk for Suicide Prevention hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to raise funds and support the efforts of others with the same cause.